In Myanmar, 'rape is still used as an instrument of war and oppression,' women's group claims

The
Women's League of Burma, based in Thailand says that the Myanmar
military continues to use rape as a weapon of war. The group says that
more than 100 women and girls have been raped by the army since the 2010
election - which ostensibly brought a civilian government that has made
overtures to the West.

In a report conducted by the group, 47 of the cases documented were gang rapes and 28 of the women were either killed or had died as a result of their injuries. Some victims were as young as eight ears old.

Highlights

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - In a report conducted by the group, 47 of the cases documented were gang rapes and 28 of the women were either killed or had died as a result of their injuries. Some victims were as young as eight ears old.

There is a pressing need for legal reform in Myanmar, which formerly was known as Burma, and for changes to a 2008 constitution to ensure that the military is placed under civilian control.

Myanmar's government denies these charges, saying "It's not the policy of our Tatmadaw (military) to use rapes as weapons," presidential spokesman Ye Htut says.

"If there are rape cases committed by individual members, we try to expose them and take effective action against the offenders. It would be very helpful in taking action against the offenders if those who prepared that report could send us the details of the cases," he said.

Prominent U.S. senators, including Bob Menendez, Marco Rubio Ben Cardin and Bob Corker have since introduced a bill saying that no funds should be made available the Myanmar government until there is there is much-needed reform and human rights abuses are addressed.

The bill also calls on the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department to present a report on U.S. strategy for military-to-military ties with Myanmar, including an assessment of the Myanmar military's rights record and the link between a deepening of such ties and reform.

Most of the rape cases in Myanmar that the group, along with it its member organizations had documented were linked to offensives by the Myanmar military in the northeast of the country against ethnic minority Kachin and Shan insurgents.

The Kachin Women's Association Thailand has documented at least 59 cases of sexual violence by Myanmar government soldiers over the past three years. The Shan Women's Action Network reported another 30 cases involving 35 women and girls.

These attacks were more than random isolated acts by rogue soldiers, the groups claim. "Their widespread and systematic nature indicates a structural pattern: rape is still used as an instrument of war and oppression."

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions for March 2015
Universal: Scientists: That those involved in scientific research may serve the well-being of the whole human person.
Evangelization: Contribution of women: That the unique contribution of women to the life of the Church may be recognized always.

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